Athlete set for the global stage in fitness challenge
A DETERMINED Greenock athlete is preparing to battle against sports stars from across the globe in a gruelling fitness challenge.
Superfit Jorg Gurney, 23, will be competing in the energy-sapping HYROX World Championships in Nice, France in June.
Jorg was selected for the contest after putting in an amazing performance in the under-24s category at the Glasgow event in March, despite the fact it was his first attempt.
In the HYROX contest, athletes complete a series of 1km runs interspersed with different fitness activities.
First-time competitor Jorg finished the course in just one hour, six minutes.
The young Greenock student says he went into the competition with no expectations and was thrilled to learn that his efforts secured him a place on the world stage.
Jorg added: “I can’t wait for it. “I really want to push myself and make something of it.”
Jorg applied for the Glasgow HYROX event back in November and admits he didn’t do any specific preparation for the challenge.
He said: “I’ve always had a crossfit background so I knew it would be right up my street.
“I do a lot of running and lifting weights anyway but I didn’t learn any new or different techniques.
“I just threw myself into it.” Jorg completed a series of eight 1km runs followed by activities including ski-ing, sled pushing, sled pulling, burpees, rowing, carrying heavy weights a designated distance, sandbag lunges, and ‘wall balls’ which involves throwing and catching weighted balls.
He said he couldn’t believe it when he secured the fastest time in his age category and was selected to go through to the World Championships which will take place at Palais des Expositions in Nice from June 7-9.
Jorg said: “I like to think that it’s quite rare for someone taking part for the first time to get through to the World Championships.
“People have already been approaching me about sponsorships, so it’s really exciting.”
Jorg is currently in his third year of a sports and exercise science degree course at the University of West of Scotland in Lanarkshire.
He’s also a freelance sports coach in JD Gyms in Greenock and regularly runs the crossfit sessions.
Jorg said his family and his partner Bethany are a great support and are very proud of his sporting achievements.
He hopes that competing on a global stage will help him progress in his sporting career.
Jorg added: “I love the sense of community that comes along with the gym and with crossfit. People are always offering support.
“I want to keep pushing my physical capabilities and would love to make a career out of it.”